Imagine this: you’re out at the skatepark, ready to nail that awesome trick you’ve been practicing. But then, something feels… off. Your bike isn’t turning quite right, or maybe your arms feel tired faster than they should. Often, the culprit isn’t your skill, but the handlebars you’re gripping! Choosing the right BMX handlebars can feel like navigating a maze, with so many shapes, sizes, and materials out there. It’s tough to know what will actually make your riding better and more comfortable.
You want handlebars that fit your riding style, whether you’re jumping ramps or cruising street. But the wrong ones can lead to sore wrists, awkward control, and even limit what tricks you can try. It’s frustrating when you’re trying to improve but feel held back by something as simple as your bars. Don’t let this be you!
In this post, we’re going to break down everything you need to know about BMX handlebars. We’ll explore what makes them different, what to look for, and how to pick the perfect set for your ride. Get ready to discover how the right handlebars can transform your BMX experience and help you ride with more confidence and control!
Our Top 5 Bmx Handlebars Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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BICYCGEAR 22.2 BMX Bike Handlebar 670mm | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
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Eastern Bikes Scythe 100% Chromoly Heat-Treated BMX Handlebars (Acid Wash | 9.3/10 | Check Price |
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CANNONDALE CRUISE CONTROL HB BLACK 740X31.8mm | 8.7/10 | Check Price |
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Black Ops BMX MX/Freestyle Bicycle Handlebars | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
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31.8 Bike Handlebar – 25mm | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Bmx Handlebars Detailed Reviews
1. BICYCGEAR 22.2 BMX Bike Handlebar 670mm
Rating: 8.7/10
Upgrade your ride with the BICYCGEAR 22.2 BMX Bike Handlebar! This sturdy steel handlebar measures 670mm long and features a tall 160mm rise. Its 6-degree backsweep and 3-degree upsweep design helps you ride more comfortably. You’ll feel less strain on your neck and shoulders. This handlebar is made from high-quality alloy and is well-machined for durability. It’s a great option for many types of bikes, including mountain bikes, e-bikes, and fixie gears.
What We Like:
- Comfortable Design: The 160mm rise and 6° backsweep reduce pressure on your neck and shoulders. This makes for a more enjoyable cycling experience.
- Versatile Fit: It fits most bikes with a 22.2mm handlebar stem, making it a universal choice for many cyclists.
- Durable Construction: Made from high-quality alloy and expertly machined, this handlebar is built to last.
- Easy Installation: You can easily replace your old handlebar or switch up your riding position.
- Sturdy Build: Weighing in at 2.32 lbs, it feels solid and reliable on your bike.
What Could Be Improved:
- Stem Diameter Check: You must confirm your bike’s stem diameter is 22.2mm before buying. This is important for a proper fit.
This BICYCGEAR handlebar offers great comfort and durability for a wide range of bikes. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to improve their cycling setup.
2. Eastern Bikes Scythe 100% Chromoly Heat-Treated BMX Handlebars (Acid Wash
Rating: 9.2/10
The Eastern Bikes Scythe 100% Chromoly Heat-Treated BMX Handlebars are built tough. They are made from strong chromoly steel and are heat-treated to be even stronger. This means they can handle all your BMX tricks and jumps. The acid wash finish looks really cool, and the 10-inch rise gives you a comfortable riding position. These handlebars are designed to last and help you ride with confidence.
What We Like:
- Super strong 100% chromoly steel construction.
- Heat-treated for extra toughness.
- E3 Welding Process makes the welds super reliable.
- The 10-inch rise feels great for controlling your bike.
- Acid wash finish looks awesome.
- They are pretty lightweight at 29.3 oz.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 1⁰ backsweep might feel a little different for some riders.
- Acid wash finishes can sometimes vary slightly.
These handlebars offer a fantastic blend of strength and style for any BMX rider. They are a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their ride and push their limits.
3. CANNONDALE CRUISE CONTROL HB BLACK 740X31.8mm
Rating: 9.3/10
The CANNONDALE CRUISE CONTROL HB BLACK 740X31.8mm is a handlebar designed for your bike. It offers a comfortable grip and a good riding position. This handlebar is made by Cannondale, a well-known bike company. It is black and measures 740mm wide with a 31.8mm clamp diameter. This size is common for many bikes.
What We Like:
- It provides a stable and controlled feel while riding.
- The black color looks sleek on many bikes.
- It’s built to last, so you can rely on it for a long time.
- The width offers good leverage for steering.
What Could Be Improved:
- More color options would be nice for personalization.
- It could be a bit lighter for racers.
- Installation instructions could be clearer for beginners.
This handlebar is a solid choice for many cyclists. It performs well and adds a touch of style to your ride.
4. Black Ops BMX MX/Freestyle Bicycle Handlebars
Rating: 9.3/10
Upgrade your ride with the Black Ops BMX MX/Freestyle Bicycle Handlebars! These handlebars are built tough for all your biking adventures. They’re made from strong steel, so you can trust them to handle jumps and tricks. The extra crossbar gives them even more strength. Installation is a breeze; they bolt right onto your existing 22.2mm BMX or freestyle stem. Get ready to shred with confidence!
What We Like:
- HEAVY DUTY: The steel construction means these handlebars are super strong and can take a beating.
- EXTRA STRENGTH: The 7/8″ crossbar adds even more durability.
- EASY INSTALLATION: You can quickly bolt them onto your existing 22.2mm stem. No fuss!
- GREAT SPECS: With a 27.5″ width and 8.25″ rise, they offer a comfortable and controlled riding position.
- TRUSTED BRAND: Black Ops is known for making quality and durable bike parts.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited Color Options: Currently, there might not be a wide variety of colors to choose from.
- No Included Grips/Plugs: You’ll need to purchase grips and end plugs separately if you don’t have them.
These Black Ops handlebars are a solid choice for any BMX or freestyle rider looking for strength and reliability. They offer great performance without breaking the bank.
5. 31.8 Bike Handlebar – 25mm
Rating: 9.2/10
Upgrade your mountain bike with this 780mm aluminum alloy handlebar. It’s built for adventure, offering a comfortable and controlled ride on any trail.
What We Like:
- It’s super wide at 780mm, giving you great control.
- You can pick from different rises (25mm, 55mm, 70mm, 90mm) to get the perfect feel.
- The 6061 aluminum alloy is strong and feels almost like carbon, soaking up bumps.
- The 12-degree sweep helps keep your shoulders relaxed and wrists happy on long rides.
- It’s designed for comfort and responsiveness, making every ride better.
- This handlebar is built tough to handle rough trails and jumps.
- Installation is straightforward; just make sure the diameter matches your stem.
What Could Be Improved:
- It’s important to double-check the handlebar diameter to make sure it fits your bike’s stem.
This handlebar will make your mountain biking experience more enjoyable. Get ready to tackle new trails with confidence.
Choosing the Right BMX Handlebars: Your Ultimate Guide
Picking the perfect BMX handlebars is a big deal. They’re how you connect with your bike and control your tricks. Getting it right makes riding way more fun and safe. This guide will help you find the best bars for your ride.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for handlebars, keep an eye on these important things:
1. Width
Handlebar width affects your control. Wider bars give you more leverage and stability, which is great for jumping and airing out. Narrower bars offer quicker steering and are good for tight turns and technical riding. Most BMX bars range from 27 inches to 30 inches wide. Try to find a width that feels comfortable for your shoulders and riding style. You can always cut them down if they’re too wide.
2. Rise
The rise is how tall the handlebars are from the clamp area. A higher rise gives you a more upright riding position. This can be easier on your back and is good for cruising or learning new tricks. A lower rise puts you in a more aggressive, bent-over position, which is better for speed and advanced tricks. Common rises are 8 inches, 9 inches, and 10 inches.
3. Backsweep and Upsweep
Backsweep is how much the grips angle back towards you. Upsweep is how much the bars angle upwards. These angles help your wrists feel comfortable. Most bars have a backsweep between 10 and 12 degrees. Upsweep is usually around 1 to 4 degrees. Experiment to see what feels best for your hands and wrists.
4. Clamp Diameter
This is the part of the handlebar that clamps into your stem. The most common sizes are 22.2mm (often called “old school” or standard) and 25.4mm (oversized). Make sure the clamp diameter matches your stem. Most modern BMX bikes use 22.2mm.
Important Materials
The material of your handlebars affects their strength, weight, and price.
- Chromoly Steel (Cr-Mo): This is the most common material for BMX handlebars. It’s strong, durable, and can handle a lot of abuse. It’s a bit heavier than other options, but it’s a great balance of performance and cost.
- Aluminum: Aluminum bars are lighter than Cr-Mo. This can make your bike feel quicker. However, aluminum can bend or break more easily under stress. They are usually more expensive.
- Titanium: These are the lightest and strongest option. But, they are also the most expensive. Titanium bars are for riders who want the absolute best and don’t mind paying for it.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make BMX handlebars better or worse.
Quality Enhancers
- Butted Tubing: This means the thickness of the tubing changes. It’s thicker in high-stress areas and thinner where it’s not needed. This makes the bars lighter without losing strength.
- Heat Treatment: This process makes the metal stronger. Good quality bars are often heat-treated after welding.
- Good Welds: Smooth, clean welds show that the handlebars were made with care. Poor welds can be weak spots.
Quality Reducers
- Cheap Materials: Using low-quality steel or aluminum will make the bars less durable.
- Poor Construction: Bad welds or inconsistent tubing thickness can lead to early failure.
- Heavy Weight: While some weight is okay, overly heavy bars can make your bike feel sluggish.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your bike matters a lot.
Street Riding
Street riders need strong, durable bars that can take impacts from grinds and drops. Wider bars often help with stability during jumps and landings. A medium to high rise can be comfortable for long sessions.
Park Riding
Park riders focus on ramps, bowls, and aerial tricks. Handlebars that offer good control and are responsive are key. Many park riders prefer bars that are not too wide for easier bar spins and quick adjustments.
Dirt Jumping
For dirt jumping, you need handlebars that provide stability and leverage for pumping and launching off jumps. Strong, wider bars are usually preferred. A comfortable rise can help with controlling the bike in the air.
Trails/BMX Racing
Racers need lightweight and responsive handlebars for maximum speed and quick steering. Bars with a lower rise and a more compact width are often chosen to help riders get into an aerodynamic position.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About BMX Handlebars
Q: What is the best width for BMX handlebars?
A: The best width depends on your body size and riding style. A good starting point is 28 inches. You can go wider for more stability or narrower for quicker steering.
Q: How do I know what rise I need?
A: A higher rise (like 9 or 10 inches) gives you a more upright position, which is easier on your back. A lower rise (like 8 inches) is more aggressive. Try different rises to see what feels comfortable.
Q: Should I get chromoly or aluminum handlebars?
A: Chromoly is the most common choice because it’s strong and affordable. Aluminum is lighter but can be less durable and more expensive.
Q: My handlebars feel uncomfortable. What should I do?
A: Check the width, rise, and sweep. You might need wider bars for more control, a different rise for comfort, or adjust your grip to a different angle.
Q: Can I cut my BMX handlebars down if they are too wide?
A: Yes, you can cut them down. Make sure to use a good metal saw and file the edges smooth.
Q: What does “butted tubing” mean for handlebars?
A: Butted tubing is thicker in the places that need to be strong and thinner where it doesn’t. This makes the handlebars lighter without making them weak.
Q: How often should I replace my BMX handlebars?
A: You should replace them if you see any bends, cracks, or dents. Even if they look okay, it’s good to check them regularly, especially after big crashes.
Q: Are expensive handlebars always better?
A: Not always. While high-end bars often have better materials and construction, a good quality chromoly bar can be excellent for most riders.
Q: What is the difference between 22.2mm and 25.4mm clamp diameters?
A: 22.2mm is the standard size for most modern BMX bikes. 25.4mm is an older, larger size. Your stem must match the clamp diameter of your handlebars.
Q: How do I measure my handlebar width?
A: Measure from the very end of one grip area to the very end of the other grip area in a straight line.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
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